Deaths Reported at Washington State Paper Mill After Chemical Tank Ruptures
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company's paper mill in Longview, Washington, releasing about 500,000 gallons of highly caustic "white liquor," resulting in one death and nine people unaccounted for.
- Nine others, including one firefighter, were injured, with the firefighter treated and released; recovery efforts have slowed due to tank instability and risk of further leakage or collapse.
- "White liquor," a hazardous chemical used in pulp production, can cause severe burns and respiratory dangers, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid the area due to contamination risks.
- The cause of the rupture remains unclear, with initial reports describing it as a chemical explosion later revised to an implosion involving a chemical vat.
- The Nippon mill has a history of incidents, including a significant fire in 2023 that affected air quality in Portland and a 2025 fire at a locomotive repair shop, though no injuries were reported in those events.